This past week on DCI.org, we've been examining the similarities and differences between drum corps and athletics.

Hardcore Holly Hustle
Holly Frederickson's dual lives as an athlete and musician (she plays defense on the Mansfield University field hockey team in Pennsylvania and soprano in the Jersey Surf), and the intensity with which she attacks both existences, have lead to an unusual nickname: Hardcore Holly Hustle.^ Frederickson elaborated, "During field hockey season we did this 'get-to-know-you'-type quiz. We had to write down the answers to random questions, like 'What is your favorite movie?', etc. One of the questions was, 'If you could pick any word that you would want people to describe yourself, what would it be?' I couldn't think of a word to describe myself (I'm 5'2", 110 pounds, but I didn't want people to think of me as little). So I picked the word 'hardcore.' My nickname then became 'Hardcore Holly Hustle' and is used in both drum corps and field hockey," Frederickson said. Frederickson, a music education and elementary education major ("My goal is to be an elementary school band director," she said) from Woodbine, Md., usually has about a day of rest in between drum corps season and field hockey pre-season practices, which typically start the week before school. Then an intense, year-long regimen begins. "During pre-season we have a practice session in the morning (about three hours), a classroom session during the afternoon, and another practice session during the evening. When school starts we have practice every day for three hours, except for when we have games. During the spring season we have indoor practices, weightlifting, and a few indoor and outdoor tournaments. I also have a conditioning schedule for the summer," Frederickson said. Despite this hectic athletic schedule, Frederickson still finds time to spend significant time every day working on drum corps. "I try to practice at least half an hour every day for drum corps, looking over music, and practicing, along with a camp every month from August to April, and then every weekend when it gets to May," Frederickson said. When scheduling conflicts arise, Frederickson relies on compromise and her own skills. "It is a plus that field hockey is mostly a fall sport. This past weekend, I had to leave a Jersey Surf camp early to come back for a Sunday tournament. Just as long as you are on top of your game and know what you need to accomplish in both fields, there is usually a compromise that can be reached when you're dealing with conflicts," Frederickson said. Field hockey and drum corps demand trust, according to Frederickson. "Not only are they both physically demanding sports, but there is also a strong trust that is needed during these activities. In field hockey you need to trust that when someone says they're open that you can pass them the ball. In drum corps while doing difficult drill moves, you've got to trust your fellow members to execute moves with precision and not run into each other," Frederickson said. Mentally, Frederickson approaches the two activities similarly. "I approach each activity the same way, knowing that I should always strive for the highest to try to reach my own personal goals to help out my fellow teammates and fellow corps members. We each have a responsibility that we need to fulfill, and with one person missing the puzzle is never complete," Frederickson said. Finally, Frederickson's love of play overrides her desire to win both activities. "Winning may be nice, but it comes down to how you play the game. Why march, or play a sport, if you're not having fun doing it?" Frederickson asked.